Songkran saw Walking Street flooded with tourists ready for some watery fun. Bars along the South Pattaya nightlife strip were decorated to welcome the Thai New Year and many businesses had promotions or activities.
Police were out to ensure that tourists engaging in water fights weren’t victimized by criminal gangs. Street vendors all wore big smiles as they raked in the baht.
Pattaya officials claimed they were being strict on waterplay, seizing any high-pressure water tubes they found and telling bar owners to remove water tanks from public sidewalks. But online photos and videos showed just the opposite, with powerful water guns being sold openly and water tanks still blocking footpaths.
Other police were out on traffic duty in Naklua, where congestion was heavy around seafood…
